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Introduction: This study aims to document and preserve the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China, providing valuable insights for modern pharmacological research and the development of these traditional remedies. Methods: Our methodology encompassed a blend of literature review, community interviews, and participatory observation to delve into the traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines among the Gelao community. We employed quantitative ethnological and ecological assessment techniques to evaluate the significance of these practices. Informed consent was secured before conducting interviews, with a focus on ascertaining the types of medicines familiar to the informants, including their local names, sources, methods of preparation, application techniques, diseases treated, frequency of use, and safety considerations. Results: Our research cataloged 55 varieties of animal-derived medicines utilized by the Gelao people. Out of these, 34 originate from wild animals, mainly encompassing small insects, reptiles, and aquatic species; the remaining 21 are derived from domesticated animals, largely involving their tissues, organs, and various physiological or pathological by-products. These medicines are primarily applied in treating pediatric ailments (13 types), internal disorders (11 types), gynecological issues (3 types), dermatological problems (7 types), ENT conditions (3 types), trauma-related injuries (5 types), joint and bone ailments (5 types), infections (2 types), dental issues (2 types), and urolithiasis (1 type), with three types being used for other miscellaneous conditions. Commonly utilized medicines, such as honey, Blaps beetle, chicken gallstones, and snake-based products, are preferred for their availability, edibility, and safety within the Gelao communities. Conclusion: The Gelao community's traditional medicines represent a rich diversity of animal sources, showcasing extensive expertise and knowledge in their processing and clinical applications. This wealth of traditional knowledge offers novel perspectives for the contemporary pharmacological study and development of these remedies. Additionally, our research plays a crucial role in aiding the preservation and continuation of this invaluable cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding responsible functional traits for promoting plant invasiveness could be important to aid in the development of adequate management strategies for invasive species. Seed traits play an important role in the plant life cycle by affecting dispersal ability, formation of the soil seed bank, type and level of dormancy, germination, survival and/or competitive ability. We assessed seed traits and germination strategies of nine invasive species under five temperature regimes and light/dark treatments. Our results showed a considerable level of interspecific variation in germination percentage among the tested species. Both cooler (5/10 °C) and warmer (35/40 °C) temperatures tended to inhibit germination. All study species were considered small-seeded, and seed size did not affect germination in the light. Yet, a slightly negative correlation was found between germination in the dark and seed dimensions. We classified the species into three categories according to their germination strategies: (i) risk-avoiders, mostly displaying dormant seeds with low G%; (ii) risk-takers, reaching a high G% in a broad range of temperatures; (iii) intermediate species, showing moderate G% values, which could be enhanced in specific temperature regimes. Variability in germination requirements could be important to explain species coexistence and invasion ability of plants to colonize different ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines whether the green bond policies of major Chinese financial regulators' have a direct and positive impact on the green bond market. Using Chinese green bond issuances from 2012 to 2019, we analyze green bond issuer response to top-down regulatory policies post 2014. Using a difference-in-difference model, we find a direct positive influence of green bond regulatory policies on issuance amounts. Additional analysis shows that specific issuer characteristics like ownership type (government-owned), industry type (green industry), and sector type (financial issuer) have a stronger positive reaction to policy announcements and led to the issuance of more green bonds. Our results highlight the supporting role of financial regulators in advancing the green finance agenda in China. Key policy insights Green bond policies implemented by Chinese financial market regulators have been an effective means to increase overall green bond issuances Certain issuer types react more positively by increasing their green bond issuances following the announcement of green bond policies Pro-active participation by key financial regulators in the form of harmonized definitions, consistent engagement, and alignment with international best practices can be beneficial for stimulating green finance growth [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The stock market is an indicator of investor sentiment when it comes to new information or innovative firm-level products. Green bonds are both innovative and unique in terms of their higher information disclosures and understanding the impact of sustainable finance on investor outlook for a company's stock. Using the comparative case of Mainland China and Hong Kong's stock market, we examine whether green bond announcements from 2016 to 2019 can create significant investor reactions. By employing the event study methodology, we confirm that both markets react in a positive way toward green bond announcements. This reinforces the reputational and financial benefits of green bonds. We find that issuers that are non-banks, environmentally friendly firms as well as those issuing non-general bonds, create a more positive reaction, whereas ownership aspects do not matter as much for investors. However, even among those issuers listed in both markets, certain institutional dynamics like strategic framing and source credibility tend to reinforce a firm's institutional legitimacy and are seen as being more prominent for investor reaction. The policy implications of our study show that the stock market reaction among two connected economies, where previously varying institutional contexts have resulted in regional differences, are now equally supportive of sustainable financial markets like the green bond. As seen with the positive stock market sentiment, governments and listed issuers can now better align their policies and internal strategies, allowing the low-carbon transition to be a financially attractive opportunity for all investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postnatal colonization and development of the gut microbiota is linked to health and growth. A comprehensive understanding of the postnatal compositional changes and development of the microbial community is helpful to understand the gut health and improve the survival rate of South China tiger cubs (Panthera tigris amoyensis). Fecal samples from three tiger cubs were collected on the day of birth in 2018 (June 17–21 [G0], July 18 [G1], July 31 [G2], and August 7 [G3]). The 16S rRNA genes of the fecal microflora were sequenced. Results showed that 38 phyla, 58 classes, 134 orders, 272 families, and 636 genera of bacteria from 3,059 operational taxonomic units were identified from 12 fecal samples. The diversity and abundance of species of group G0 were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or 0.01) than those of groups G2 and G3. The predominant phylum was Proteobacteria in groups G0 and G1 (38.85% and 48%, respectively) and Firmicutes in groups G2 and G3 (71.42% and 75.29%, respectively). At the phylum level, the abundance of Deinococcus-Thermus was significantly decreased in groups G1, G2, and G3 as compared to group G0 (p < 0.05), while that of Firmicutes was significantly increased in groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Ralstonia, and unidentified Rickettsiales was significantly decreased in groups G1, G2, and G3 as compared with group G0 (p < 0.05), while that of Pseudomonas was significantly decreased in groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). The composition and structure of fecal microbiota of South China tiger cubs changed after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study emphasised the speciation and mobility of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in sediments of the Yundang Lagoon catchment (YLC) at Xiamen in China. The maximum total metals concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were higher than the class I pollution level of China Marine Sediment Quality values. Average total metals concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were greater than world average shale values. The highest average percentages of Cr (68.01%), Mn (39.14%), Ni (61.32%), and As (74.09%) were found in the residual fraction, while Cu (50.69%) was the highest in the oxidisable fraction. Furthermore, the greater percentages of Zn (37.65%), Cd (48.98%), and Pb (47.52%) were bound in the reducible forms in YLC sediment. Total organic carbon (TOC) showed a strong correlation with heavy metal fractions, suggesting that TOC could be a carrier of heavy metals within alkaline urban sediment. The risk assessment code values for Cd, Mn, and Zn indicate that these metals could pose a medium to a high potential risk to the aquatic organisms. However, the present remediation strategy should be continued with more focus on reducing urban runoff and domestic discharge into the lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) among stroke survivors has been the subject of several studies, but systematic review data regarding the prevalence of SI among stroke patients are still scarce. Objectives: To estimate the pooled prevalence of SI among stroke survivors. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was established across the following electronic databases; Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Wanfang database and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The 95% confidence interval (CI) given in each identified study was used to assess the outcomes. Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic were used to evaluate heterogeneity. The quality of the final evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We calculated the pooled prevalence of SI among stroke survivors before subgroup analysis and meta-regression was used to find the partial source of heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-one studies with a total of 17,189 participants were included in this study and the pooled prevalence of SI among stroke survivors was 12.25% (95%CI: 9.91–15.07%). Substantial heterogeneity was detected in the estimation of prevalence. The evidence was graded as very low for the overall outcome and the single item subgroup, while it was graded as low for the stable scale subgroup. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests a high prevalence of SI among stroke survivors. Routine screening of SI after stroke is needed to plan interventions aimed at reducing suicide risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Left-behind children in China offers "natural experiments" of maternal separation. • Parent-child separation in early childhood associated with shorter telomere length. • Shortened TL partially explained adverse effects of separation on psychopathology. • Shortened TL could also be a consequence of psychopathology associated with separation. Abstract Background Given the ethical limitations of exposing children to experimentally manipulated adverse experiences, evidence of the effects of parent-child separation on subsequent psychopathology are based mostly on animal studies. Left-behind children phenomenon resulting from rural-urban mobility in China offers unique "natural experiments" to explore the long-term physical and mental health consequences of parent-child separation in childhood. Objective To test the associations between parent-child separation with telomere length (TL) and psychopathology during adolescence. Method A total of 710 adolescents (age: M = 16.86, SD = 1.52) were recruited from local schools in rural area of Fuyang, one of the top inland areas for outward migration in Anhui province, China. Parent-child separation was collected through face to face interview. The MacArthur Health & Behavior Questionnaire (HBQ) was used to assess internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure buccal TL. Results Nearly 60% (399/695) of the participants experienced separation from both parents. Childhood or persistent separation from parents was associated with increased internalizing symptoms (childhood: β = 0.13, 95% CI : 0.02, 0.23; persistent: β = 0.23, 95% CI : 0.14, 0.31), increased externalizing symptoms (childhood: β = 0.17, 95% CI : 0.03, 0.32; persistent: β = 0.23, 95% CI : 0.10, 0.35) and shorter telomere length (childhood: β = −0.16, 95% CI : −0.26, −0.05; persistent: β = −0.13, 95% CI : −0.22, −0.03). Shortened TL was estimated to explain 15.2% and 12.7% of the total effect of separation on internalizing and externalizing symptoms, while internalizing and externalizing symptoms explained 23.4% and 12.3% of the effect of separation on shortened TL. Conclusion Childhood and persistent parent-child separation, as experienced by rural left-behind children in China, associates with increased vulnerability for psychopathological symptoms and makers of cellular aging. The challenge for future research is to determine whether short telomere length is in fact a long-term consequence or an underlying vulnerability factor for future mental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaotian, one typical conservative village in rural area of South China, is differentiated from other adjacent village for its longevity and health situation of residents. To ascertain the difference of intestinal microbial community between Gaotian and other region, high-throughput sequencing and systematical bioinformation analyses was adopted to compare 21 samples in long life group with 28 in control group. The α diversity showed that the diversity of species of intestinal flora of Gaotian villagers was higher than that of control group, while the β diversity showed that the similarity of intestinal flora for Gaotian residents was also much higher than that of control group. OTU cluster analysis and Venn diagram showed that the intestinal microbial community of Gaotian villagers is different from that of control group. To quantitatively compare the main flora constitution in all samples, real-time PCR was performed, and the results showed that the biomass of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium perfringens, and Bacteroides of Gaotian villages is generally significantly higher than that of control group. Remarkably, some special species, i.e., Methanobacterium, Butyricimonas, Deinococcus, and Streptococcaceae, have been found in Gaotian villagers. Overall, this study lays a preparatory basis for exploration of the resources of special species from healthy and long-living elderly Gaotian villagers and for proposal of a hypothesis, namely, the diversity in intestinal flora of Gaotian might contribute to the longevity and health of local residents. Further study should be focused on screening and functional evaluation of the special species in the long-life residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the plankton size structure and evaluate plankton community stability in Longhu Lake, a shallow eutrophic lake in southeast China that has been biomanipulated for ~20 years, the biomass-size spectra of the plankton were seasonally studied from August 2017 to November 2018. The plankton-size spectra revealed a typical bimodal structure in all seasons. The higher peak consisted of small-sized phytoplankton ranging from 10 to 30 μm, while the lower peak consisted mainly of rotifers and ciliates ranging from 66 to 83 μm. Compared with other eutrophic lakes, the size classes of the bimodal structure in Longhu Lake were relatively smaller, indicating individual miniaturization in the lake's plankton community. There was also a trough in the 90 to 370 μm region of the size spectra, indicating a low biomass for crustacean zooplankton in the lake. The slope (b = −1.27 ± 0.04) of the normalized size spectra was lower than that of the theoretical equilibrium state (b = −1), suggesting high energy transfer from the large phytoplankton (>30 μm) and zooplankton (>90 μm) to the planktivorous silver and bighead carps via filter feeding. Although the seasonal size spectra fluctuated with the water temperature (positively) and nutrients (negatively) in Longhu Lake, their patterns and coefficients of determination did not significantly vary with the seasons (R2 = 0.98 ± 0.01, p < 0.05), indicating the plankton community is stable in this long-term biomanipulated eutrophic lake. • Plankton community stability was evaluated by biomass-size spectra. • Silver and bighead carps produce bimodal and trough structures of plankton-size spectra. • The long-term biomanipulation can maintain a relatively stable plankton community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With rapid urban sprawl, growing people are living in the vicinity of major roadways. However, little is known about the relationship between residential proximity to major roadways and hearing impairment (HI)., Methods: We derived data from the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, and included 13,775 participants aged 65 years or older. Multivariate logistic regressions were employed to examine the association between residential proximity to major roadways and HI. The effects of corresponding potentially modifiable factors were studied by three-way interaction analyses. Sensitivity analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the results., Results: The prevalence of HI was 38.3%. Participants living near major roadways were more likely to have a higher socioeconomic status. An exposure-response relation between residential proximity to major roadways and HI was observed (P trend < 0.05). Compared with individuals living > 300 m away from major roadways, the adjusted odds ratios (OR) were 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96-1.24), 1.15 (95% CI: 1.07-1.34), and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.01-1.31) for those living 101-200 m, 50-100 m, and < 50 m away from the roadways, respectively. Particularly, the association was more pronounced among individuals exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) pollution or opening windows frequently (P interaction < 0.05). Three-way interaction analyses confirmed that participants exposed to CO pollution and frequently leaving windows open had the highest OR of 1.73 (95% CI: 1.58-1.89)., Conclusions: This nation-wide cohort study suggested that residential proximity to major roadways was significantly associated with an increased exposure-response risk of HI in Chinese older adults. Exposure to CO pollution and opening windows frequently might strengthen the relations., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To present the clinical experience in our cancer center with multibeam inverse intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for early stage breast cancer (BC) patients with whole breast irradiation (WBI)., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 622 patients with Stage 0 to III BC treated from 2008 to 2011 with wide local excision and WBI, using an inverse IMRT technique. All of the patients were prescribed a total dose of 50 Gy to the whole breast in 2-Gy fractions, followed by a tumor bed boost of 10 Gy in 5 fractions using an electron beam., Results: Of all of the patients, 132 (21.2%) received whole breast plus regional lymph node (RLN) irradiation. 438 of 622 patients had records of acute skin toxicity based on common terminology criteria (CTC) for adverse events. Two hundred eighty (64%) patients had Grade 0/1 toxicity, 153 (35%) had Grade 2 and only 4 patients experienced grade 3 toxicity. Seventy patients (16%) had moist desquamation. Univariate analysis revealed that breast planning target volume was the only predictive factor for Grade ≥2 acute dermatitis (P = 0.002). After 4 years, 170 patients reported cosmetic results by self-assessment, of whom 151 (89%) patients reported good/excellent cosmetic results, and 17 (11%) patients reported fair assessments. For invasive cancer, the four-year rate of freedom from locoregional recurrence survival was 98.3%. Regarding carcinoma in situ, no patients experienced recurrence., Conclusions: BC patients who underwent conservative surgery followed by inverse IMRT plan exhibited acceptable acute toxicities and clinical outcomes. Longer follow-up is needed.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate and identify patterns of failure and prognostic factors for locoregional recurrence (LRR) that could justify postmastectomy radiotherapy after modified radical mastectomy in patients with early stage triple-negative breast cancer., Methods: Between January 2000 and July 2007, the authors retrospectively analyzed 390 patients who had triple-negative breast cancer with T1/T2 tumors and from zero to 3 positive lymph nodes (pathologic T1-T2N0-N1) who underwent modified radical mastectomy without postmastectomy radiotherapy at the author's institution. The 5-year cumulative incidence for events was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and subgroups were compared using the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model., Results: Overall, 86.4% of patients received chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 60.5 months, the 5-year cumulative rates of local recurrence, regional recurrence, LRR, and distant metastasis were 5.4%, 4.7%, 8%, and 13.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age <50 years, the presence of lymphovascular invasion, grade 3 tumor, and 3 involved lymph nodes were associated significantly with an increased risk of LRR. The 5-year LRR rate for patients who had 0 or 1 risk factor, 2 risk factors, and 3 or 4 risk factors was 4.2%, 25.2%, and 81% (P < .0001), respectively. The presence of lymphovascular invasion and having 3 involved lymph nodes were statistically significant predictors of regional recurrence, and the patients who had regional recurrence had a significantly greater risk of distant metastases compared with patients who had local recurrence (59.1% vs 20.9%; P < .0001)., Conclusions: Several risk factors were identified in this study that correlated independently with a greater incidence of LRR in patients who had early stage triple-negative breast cancer. The current results indicated that postmastectomy radiotherapy should be considered for those patients who have 2 or more of these factors., (Copyright © 2013 American Cancer Society.)